USAID Launches Region's First Avian Influenza Regional Distribution Center in Thailand
On March 18, U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John launched the region’s first rapid-response distribution center to ship emergency supplies to avian influenza (AI) outbreaks anywhere in Asia. He was joined by leading influenza experts, attending the Regional Avian Influenza USAID Partners Meeting, who said the center could save lives by providing the materials needed to contain the deadly H5N1 virus which has killed at least 235 people worldwide. “The Regional Distribution Center in Thailand, the first of three regional supply centers that are being established worldwide, will help ensure that countries in Asia will be able to take fast action to counter avian influenza without endangering the lives of the rapid-response teams,” said Ambassador John, flanked by USAID crates that are stored in a modern warehouse, larger than a soccer field, near Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Chachoengsao Province. Ambassador John said the RDC underscores the U.S. Government’s support for the prevention and control of AI in Asia and the importance of having Thailand as an ally in the fight against AI. The Regional Distribution Center (RDC) stockpiles personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination supplies and laboratory kits. The supplies can be airlifted to AI hotspots within 24 hours. The center greatly enhances regional preparedness in the containment and control of AI outbreaks.